Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan, representing Kogi Central, has publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Akpabio has denied these allegations through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo.
The accusations were made during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, where Akpoti-Uguaghan detailed her claims. She alleged that Akpabio obstructed her motions in the Senate after she rejected his advances. According to the Kogi lawmaker, she faced ongoing harassment and defamation in his home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as well as in his office.
“My issues with Akpabio began on December 8, 2023,” she recounted. “During a visit to his house in Ikot-Ekpene, he held my hand and expressed a desire to show me around. It was just the three of us—my husband, him, and me. I noticed he quickened his pace while still holding my hand, leading us to a sitting room. He asked if I liked his house, and I responded affirmatively. He then suggested that now that I am a Senator, I should make time for us to enjoy moments together.”
Akpoti-Uguaghan further alleged that when she was later encouraged by fellow Senators to approach Akpabio regarding a motion on the Ajaokuta Steel Company, he told her, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a lot if you take care of me and make me happy.” She said she chose to ignore that comment, describing her situation as akin to a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to comply with inappropriate demands.
In response, Kenny Okulogbo labeled Akpoti-Uguaghan’s claims as “tissues of lies,” suggesting that her anger stems from her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. He stated, “All that Senator Natasha said are falsehoods. The Senate President will respond and we will issue an official statement soon.”